Chapter 1214 - 890: Decision
As they entered Liangyi Hall, Yu Mingyue turned back for a glance.
Shang Ruyi walked ahead without looking back, and Yu Wenqian, after entering Liangyi Hall, seemed focused only ahead, not looking back either.
Perhaps it was her imagination, but before their marriage, she sensed—no, not just sensed but clearly noticed Yu Wenqian’s attention towards Shang Ruyi. Although the attention wasn’t deeply affectionate, it made her very uneasy, adding more hostility than distaste towards Shang Ruyi. However, since their marriage, Yu Wenqian no longer paid any attention to the woman she loathed, and if he did, it was merely because she was Princess Qin, Yu Wenye’s wife, and not because of any personal interest.
This realization brought considerable satisfaction to Yu Mingyue.
But before this satisfaction could turn into a complete smile, it was instantly wiped away by the passing of another shadow beside her.
The concubine, Lou Chan Yue.
At this moment, she stood with a full smile beside Yu Wenqian. As a concubine, she originally had no right to enter the palace with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort to greet the Emperor. However, during this visit to the Hot Spring Palace, she took the opportunity to please and made herself known in front of Yu Wenquan, even gaining merit for "discovering" an assassin. Now, whatever Yu Wenqian did, he brought her along, and her treatment at the Crown Prince Mansion almost caught up with her, the Crown Princess Consort.
At the sight of her, Yu Mingyue’s gaze immediately darkened.
After the celebratory banquet at Bai Fu Hall, Yu Wenquan’s attitude towards her suddenly turned cold. The Crown Princess Consort position that seemed certain was nearly lost, and Yu Wenquan even bestowed two concubines to Yu Wenqian, which tore her heart apart.
During those days, she endured endless remorse and anger, but no matter how much she regretted or suffered, there was no room for resistance. After all, the order came from Yu Wenquan, the Emperor of the Dasheng Dynasty, who controlled the life and death of all. No matter how cunning and calculative she was, she couldn’t defy the imperial decree or even try to secure a "one life, one pair" with Yu Wenqian.
At that moment, she realized how ridiculous her previous words to Shang Ruyi were.
Thus, afterwards, she didn’t even want to meet or speak much with Shang Ruyi.
Because she feared that every word of hers during her past triumphant days would one day become a sharp blade stabbing her, just like the idea of "one life, one pair."
And now, facing this triumphant concubine, Lou Liangdi, she seemed like a living, sharp sword hanging above her head, never knowing when it would stab her.
Such a feeling filled her with intense anger.
Just as Yu Mingyue’s heart was in turmoil, Yu Wenqian looked back at her: "Hmm?"
"Ah!"
Yu Mingyue finally came to her senses; it was time for them to go inside. She hurriedly followed beside him, and the three of them proceeded into the inner hall.
The air in the inner hall was cool and refreshing. Yu Wenquan couldn’t stand heat, and just moments ago, when Shang Ruyi came with the child, they placed a couple of heated basins, which were removed as soon as they left. Therefore, it wasn’t any warmer inside the hall than outside, and the cool air seemed to carry the distinct scent of infant milk, which weighed heavily on Yu Mingyue’s gloomy mood.
Besides Lou Chan Yue seizing the opportunity to charm Yu Wenquan, Shang Ruyi’s son also made her stand out in front of Yu Wenquan, several times achieving her aims through that clueless baby.
This infuriated Yu Mingyue, who always saw women who wished to give birth as mere birthing machines.
Why were her experiences and observations different from what she had read in those books and heard in the passionate words of those around her?
She even began to question herself, wondering if it was the world that was feudal or if she was outdated. Why did she, knowing more and thinking more forward, instead—
"Mingyue?"
A familiar and puzzled voice called softly again, pulling Yu Mingyue back to her senses. She realized they were already in the inner hall, standing in front of Yu Wenquan. Yu Wenqian and Lou Chan Yue had already bowed, and seeing her remain motionless, lightly reminded her.
Startled, Yu Mingyue hurriedly kneeled and bowed: "Greetings, Father Emperor!"
Yu Wenquan frowned slightly, but recalling Shang Ruyi’s recent words, he didn’t scold her much and just waved his hand: "Rise, all of you."
Only then did the three stand up.
After being granted seats, Yu Wenquan looked at Yu Mingyue, who was still somewhat dazed, and said, "The Crown Princess Consort doesn’t seem to be in good spirits."
Realizing that her recent faux pas might have displeased the Emperor, Yu Mingyue was already pinching her thigh in secret to stay focused. Upon hearing his words, she broke out in a cold sweat and quickly stood to respond: "Your daughter—"
Yu Wenquan intervened: "I heard, Duke Wushan’s eye condition has recurred?"
"Ah?"
Yu Mingyue was momentarily stunned. She recalled someone mentioning this a few days ago, but she had been too busy to inquire further. She hastily nodded: "Yes, yes. Father’s eye condition worsened considerably with the cold weather."
Yu Wenquan frowned and said, "Why wasn’t this mentioned earlier? Tomorrow, have the Imperial Medical Bureau send someone to take a look."
Yu Mingyue quickly expressed her gratitude: "Thank you, Father Emperor."
Yu Wenquan gestured for her to sit, then said, "I called you to discuss the New Year’s Eve banquet. Naturally, this matter is your responsibility."
Hearing this, a sliver of light emerged in Yu Mingyue’s gloomy heart.
Not only was it clear to her that even though Shang Ruyi had just come with the child trying to gain favor, it didn’t prevent Yu Wenquan’s suspicion and dissatisfaction towards King Qin and those around him. More importantly, this responsibility rightfully belonged to her, the Crown Princess Consort.
As long as she managed this task well, she would reclaim the spotlight rightfully hers.
Thus, she widened her eyes and listened intently as Yu Wenquan continued, "In the past two years, numerous battles have plagued the regions, and I had no heart to properly celebrate New Year; this year—though the third prince is still abroad, his latest news indicated that Cijian has been captured, which has greatly relieved my heart."
Yu Wenqian said, "Third brother’s success is thanks to Father Emperor’s protection."
Yu Wenquan smiled faintly, then said, "So this New Year’s Eve banquet, I wish to prepare it well, to let our whole family rejoice together and not let it pass by hastily as before."
Yu Mingyue, supporting Yu Wenqian, said, "Exactly."
"Therefore,"
Yu Wenquan’s gaze slowly shifted from the Crown Prince’s handsome face to the expectant, radiant face of the Crown Princess Consort, and after a moment’s silence, he said, "I have decided to entrust the responsibility of organizing this banquet to—"